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South Africa vs Japan player ratings: Brave Blossoms cause biggest upset in World Cup history with last-gasp winner

A look at the individual performances of a South African side that slumped to a humiliating defeat at the Community Stadium

Saturday 19 September 2015 20:58 BST

South Africa suffer a shock 34-32 defeat after super sub Karne Hesketh scores 83rd minute winner

Japan caused the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history by scoring a last-gasp try to beat South Africa 34-32 in Brighton.

The Brave Blossoms secured their first victory in the tournament since 1991 when substitute Karne Hesketh dived over in the corner in the 83rd minute.

The two-time world champions were clinging on to a slender three-point lead but could not hold out against a late Japanese onslaught, which saw them turn down two kickable penalties and push for the win.

Francious Louw scored the first try of the afternoon when he dotted down from the back of a rampant rolling maul before Japan rumbled over with one of their own in the 29th minute.

South Africa replied with another scoring maul as Bismark du Plessis touched down shortly before half time.

Nick de Jager and Adriaan Strauss crashed over in the second half as Japan struggled to cope with the carries of the hulking Springbok pack but Ayumu Goromaru slotted four penalties after half time and crossed over for a try to keep Japan in the match.

And with 83 minutes on the clock, Japan's patience and perseverance paid off as Hesketh dived over in the corner to give his side a historic victory.

So how did the players perform? Click on the gallery below to find out.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Show all 18

1/18South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Zane Kirchner - 4/10

Solid under the high ball and skipped past a few defenders with ease but unused in attack for most of the match.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Lwazi Mvovo - 5/10

Looked threatening on the rare occasion he got the ball but was kept very quiet by the Japanese defence.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Jesse Kriel - 5/10

Saw very little of the ball and when he got his hands on it Japan shut him down swiftly. Quiet throughout.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

JeanDeVilliers.jpg

Looked sharp considering he has played very little rugby since November. Carried really well and was industrious in defence, but couldn't save his side from an embarrassing defeat.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Bryan Habana - 3/10

Should have paid admission as he was a spectator for most of the match, it was a pretty anonymous outing for the Toulon man.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Pat Lambie - 4/10

Kicked well off the tee but struggled to set his backline in motion against a well-organised Japanese outfit. Pollard should start against Samoa.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Ruan Pienaar - 5/10

Marshaled his forwards well in attack and made a fair few metres with the ball in hand but he couldn't take control behind a pack that were struggling at the breakdown.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Tendai Mtawarira - 3/10

Seriously struggled in the scrum against Hatakeyama and ineffective with the ball in hand. Made just two tackles and rarely got over the gainline.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Bismarck du Plessis - 3/10

Caught out in defence several times and missed a few tackles. Central to the Boks' success at the lineout and in the maul but he did conceded four penalties which proved costly.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Jannie du Plessis - 3/10

Missed three tackles and was part of a front row that were surprisingly dismantled by the Japanese.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Nick de Jager - 6/10

Made some big carries and showed impressive pace for a man mountain when he went over for a try in the 43rd minute. Commanding and consistent at the lineout but didn't make much of a contribution in defence.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Victor Matfield - 7/10

Typically lead the lineout with authority and was dynamic and destructive in the loose. The Japanese struggled to cope with his rampaging runs and offloads.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Pieter Du Toit - 6/10

A solid performance from the openside but is partially responsible for the Boks' inability to recycle possession at the ruck as he was often not quick enough to the clear out. Outplayed by the opposing back row.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Francois Louw - 5/10

Scored the first try from a rolling maul but failed to impose himself on the breakdown. Didn't make much of a contribution in the loose.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Schalk Burger - 8/10

Burger was South Africa's stand out player. Troubled the Japanese defence with some huge carries. Cleaned up well at the base of a retreating scrum and won four turnovers. Racked up the most tackles (for RSA) too with 11.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Adrian Strauss.jpg

Had an immediate impact off the bench when he battered through two tackles and galloped over but was unable to bolster a struggling South African scrum.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Fourie du Preez - 7/10

Should start next week against Samoa. Seized control when he came on and set his sizeable pack in motion with real authority.

South Africa 32 Japan 34 player ratings

Handre Pollard - 7/10

Another player who should be considered for the starting line up against Samoa. Made a brilliant break shortly after coming on and showcased his attacking prowess.

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